keen early, held up in last pair, left 4th and last 6th, jumped slowly next, outpaced before 3 out, soon beaten, tailed off when pulled up before last
tracked leader, jumped right and lost place 5th, close up in 3rd when jumped awkwardly and unseated rider next
tracked leading pair, joined leader after 5th, led briefly 7th, outpaced 3 out, kept on same pace from next, no chance with leading pair
led, joined after 5th, headed briefly 7th, headed 3 out, led again before last, ridden and hard pressed flat, stayed on well towards finish
raced keenly, held up in last pair, left 3rd 6th, joined leaders going well 9th, led 3 out, headed before last, soon ridden, rallied and every chance flat, no extra towards finish
KELLYSTOWN LAD has looked like this test would suit and the prolific Irish point-to-point winner gets the nod. Although his trainer is not renowned for winners at this time of year this Old Vic gelding looks the type to run well, going over fences for the first time. Soft ground holds no fears and a bold bid is anticipated. Timmy Murphy is teaming up well with Howard Johnson and Indian Groom, a 135-rated hurdler is respected as he makes his chasing debut. Saveiro is interesting if we ignore his final run at Aintree and he shouldn't mind soft ground, a comment that also applies to the progressive hurdler Twentynineblack who seemed to enjoy being ridden more patiently when last seen in the summer.
Alaskan Prince (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Keen early, tracked leaders, lost place 7th, weakened 4 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Hadron Collider (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gf in Jun, 11 ran.
Indian Groom (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Close up when brought down on bend after 3rd, in a race won by Mous Of Men (10-6) at Sandown 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gd in Apr, 16 ran.
Kellystown Lad (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Held up in mid-division, 4th 3 out, headway next, went 2nd after last, kept on, not reached winner, 2nd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Gilbarry (10-13) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Saveiro (FR) 10-3 (11-5) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened approaching next, 6th of 8, 40l behind Praxiteles (10-12) at Aintree 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in May.
Twentynineblack (FR) 13-8fav (11-5) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, switched to inner last, soon led, kept on well, won at Cartmel 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jun beating Silverlord (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
